Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Function Foundry is committed to high quality, both in design and fabrication. We pride ourselves in going the extra mile for our clients, and providing value above expectation.

What’s it like working with Function Foundry?

We thrive on building long term relationships with our clients. That means we take the time to learn about you and your business, and work with you to explore how we can be most helpful to your needs.

We break each new project into phases. Each project is different and requires a slightly different approach. For example, we might start a new project with the following:

Phase 1: Research and Concept Development.

This is where the initial aim of the project is discussed, investigated, and possible solutions are put forward. It often makes sense to whiteboard many different ideas, only to refine down prior to starting the next phase.

Phase 2: Design Direction.

We use the best ideas from phase 1, and explore them more fully. This can include sketching, CAD model generation, animations, environmental renderings, videos, flow charts, or other mechanisms to help analyze the best direction for future development. By the end of this phase we should know roughly what a project will look like, how it will work, and any relevant user interactions.

Phase 3: CAD Refinement and Engineering.

We refine any CAD models into manufacturable assemblies, ensuring that aesthetics and materials are used appropriately and that production constraints and costs are taken into consideration.

Further phases vary widely depending on the project. We will cater our bid to the needs and capabilities of our clients.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, we are happy to develop a bid to address the needs of your project, and how we can best help. Future costs can be difficult to accurately forecast before design development, but we will always do our best to be realistic and up front with expectations and what challenges lie ahead.

If we aren't the best fit for you or your project at this time, we will help to provide referrals to more appropriate businesses.

How do you manage projects?

We use Basecamp, an online project management and team service which allows for fluid and direct involvement between Function Foundry and our clients. You can see our files, and we regularly post updates and revisions, as well as scheduling info and deliverables. Basecamp allows for efficient collaboration, even when working remotely. We also regularly meet with clients, either in person, on the phone, or over Skype.